Endswell Boxing Podcast

Aaron McKenna & Liam Smith have had plenty to say in the buildup to this middleweight clash - but all the talking is done now. McKenna weighed in at 159.7lbs for the middleweight bout on the Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn card, with former world champion Smith coming in bang on 160lbs.Will the youthful McKenna have too much? Or will the experience and guile of former world champ be able to roll back the years? Don't blink - this one could be fight of the night….Keep up to date with us on social media?

After what was a tremendous nights boxing at Dublin's National Stadium - featuring 4 title fights, a number of domestic clashes, debuts and no shortage of controversial wins shock upsets Ian & AL look back over the full nights action - with guests including Cian Reddy, Podge Collins, Eoghan Lavin, Pajo Hyland & Dean Byrne, Ian Gaughran & Kevin Cronin. | Keep up to date with us on social media?

Ian and AL are joined in fight week by 2 lads who will feature on the upcoming ‘Night of Champions at the National Stadium where they boxed all their amateur careers. Cian Reddy boxed out of Portlaoise in the amateur vest & will look to go 5-0 with a win on Saturdays show. And Cork's Steven Cairns had a hugely successful amateur career - laden with Irish titles and now boxing under Dave Coldwell. | Keep up to date with us on social media?

It's a while since we had a fight card that included so much for so many as the upcoming JB Promotions ‘A Night of Champions at the iconic home of Irish boxing. In this episode, no 233 we welcome Mayo Middleweight Eoghan Lavin. As an amateur he won 9 Irish titles. Since turning professional he is signed to Anthony Joshua's 258 Management & is promoted by Frank Warren's Queensbury Promotions.This Saturday night he returns to the National Stadium, where he had so much success to take his record to 5-0.

In this episode Ian & AL remember one of the magical nights of Irish boxing - Bernard Dunne v Ricardo Cordoba - incredibly 16 years ago this week!The lads also look back over TJ Doheny v Nick Ball & the controversy that followed, Mick Conlan's comeback & future plans aswell as all the fights from Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick's Day. We look back over the phenomenal career of one of boxing's greatest EVER, George Foreman who passed away recently after a career that saw him fight Muhammad Ali, Joe Fraizer, Ken Norton, Ron Lyle, Gerry Cooney, Evander Holyfield, Tommy Morrison, Jimmy Young, Axel Schultz & Michael Moorer. A total of 76 wins and 5 losses.

Theres not many promoters in the modern game who can list Muhammad Ali, Vladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko, Shane Mosley, Kevin Kelley, and Genady Golovkin. Recently inducted into the Hall of Fame Tom Loeffler is busy rebuilding his new stable of stars and right at the heart of that is Cork's Callum Walsh.In this special episode - Tom joins us to talk about a very rare and special boxing career ahead of a March 16 Irish Boxing bonanza at the Mecca of boxing Madison Square Garden featuring Sean O'Bradaigh, Donagh Kerry, Feargal McCrory, Tomas Carty, Kevin Cronin, Emmet Brennan & Callum Walsh.

With the dust settled on what was the biggest fight in Irish boxing between Belfast puncher Lewis Crocker & Limerick stylist Paddy Donovan - a classic Irish tale was setup to deliver - and it didn't disappoint. The build up had been raucous, the comments went back and forth between the camps and then the first bell came…..On episode 230 we're joined by Irish boxing legend Wayne McCullough & his new protege Mathew Tyndall to talk about all the goings on. Wayne knows how it feels to fight in front of a partisan crowd in Belfast & in Dublin - and indeed many other places.Listen as the lads give their thoughts on the fight, as Mathew makes a big announcement about his future promotional plans & eventual move to America.

In episode 229 Ian & Al have a look back over the greatest fight card in history featuring Callum Smith v Josh Bustsi, Zhelie Zheng v Agit Kabayel, Virgil Ortiz jr v Israil Madramov, Carlos Adams's v Hamsa Shiraz, Shakur Stevenson v Josh Padley & the new main event Joseph Parker v Martin Bakole. A truly incredible card with no shortage of talking points.And with Ian on his way to cover the biggest domestic Irish battle in many years - the lads preview Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan.

When John Cooney began his professional career 4 years ago we knew he was special. AL says in this episode “I never needed to hear or see John to know he was in the room” - that goes a long way to describing the presence he had. He won the BBBoC Super Featherweight Celtic title in just his 10th professional fight, stopping Liam Gaynor in the first round on the Taylor V Cameron undercard & announced himself to the boxing powers. We fully expected to follow John's career all the way to the very top of the game - so to have to look back over his life & career cut WAY too short is a hurt too hard for words. #boxing #irishboxing #johncooney

It's been a frantic final few weeks for boxing, especially in Irish circles. In this episode Ian & AL review War in Waterford & welcome long time friend of the show Graham ‘G-Train' McCormack, fresh off his win over Craig McCarthy. Graham tells us what that win means for him and what to expect next.The lads talk about the strange blocking of Cork star Tommy Hyde by the Boxing Union of Ireland and the preview the massive Usyk v Fury 2 fight in Saudi Arabia.in aAssociation with

This second preview episode for the War in Waterford show Ian and Al chat to Dylan Moran and look over his career - the unlikely journey that has lead him to this huge domestic Irish clash with Tyrone McKenna. The lads chat about the highs and lows &'Al recalls the conversation he had with Dylan when he first signed professional with Kieran Farrell in Manchester - his dream then was to bring big time boxing to Waterford, and now he has!We also hear from 4 time Elite Irish champion and fellow Waterford boxer Kelyn Cassidy. Kelyn has been training alongside Dylan for many years and is currently one of the hottest amateur prospects in Ireland. He talks about narrowly missing out on Olympic qualification and the amazing support of the Waterford people that helped ease the pain. And Al puts the question to him about his future that everybody wants to know…in aAssociation with

Not long on from a domestic cracker with Lewis Crocker - Tyrone McKenna closes the year with another fascinating all Irish battle as he takes on Dylan Moran on the Neil Power and Conlan Boxing promotion War in Waterford. In the first of 2 preview episodes Ian and Al look over both fighters path to this one and welcome Tyrone McKenna to tell us about it. We also hear from his partner in boxing and podcasting - lifelong friend, former European cruiserweight champion Tommy McCarthy who is preparing for his Feb 1st fight which will mark the return of BBC to boxing coverage, Both lads give their thoughts on the upcoming fight with Dylan Moran and talk about the possibility of and Irish 'Riyadh Season' which could include Katie Taylor, Mick Conlan, Lewis Crocker, Paddy Donovan, and of course themselves!As always the lads are great craic and full of anticipation for a War in Waterford card that will also include Tommy Hyde, Barry McReynolds, Eoghan Lavin, Kevin Cronin and of course the rematch of Craig McCarthy v Graham McCormack as ther co-main event.If you want tickets to watch Tommy McCarthy on the Natioons Fight Night click the following link: https://tinyurl.com/4p679w45in Association with

How was that for an encore from Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano? And also, how about some more controversy?Just like their first fight, Taylor and Serrano delivered another instant classic Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where Taylor outlasted Serrano to remain the undisputed super lightweight champion. After 10 epic rounds, all three judges scored the fight 95-94 for Taylor, despite Taylor having a point deducted by referee Jon Schorle.So after 2 epic fights, 20 titanic rounds boxing fans would hope, EXPECT sporting behaviour, right? As is customary in this great sport - hugs, compliments and beef settled - the better man/woman wins - you congratulate them. Not in this case, whinging, moaning and cries of cheat came from Serrano's coach [brother in law] Jordan Maldonado and indeed Serrano herself. Backstage Katie and her team were being railroaded into a media ambush - until manager Brian Peters stepped in.All in all - an exhausting but exhilarating night of boxing that left Irish boxing fans "Walkin in a Katie Wonderland". Ian and Al are joined on this episode by renowned Irish cut man Tommy McCormack to discuss the fight and all that ensued - we have highlights of the fight itself and a word from the GWOAT Clarissa Shields. in Association with

There is no better way to describe Katie Taylor than in the words of Irish legend and former WBC world champion Christina McMahon "Katie Taylor - she just NEVER lets us down”As we prepare for the second wave of a war for the ages Ian & Al look towards what could be another classic boxing match that already sits alongside the classics. Katie Taylor has had to dig deep many times in her history making career, and Amanda Serrano was one of this occasions, but not the only one! What will we get this time around? Who knows but in this episode the lads look back over Katie's recent fights & prepare what could possibly be one of the last fights of her career. We also welcome Shauna O'Keefe who is making huge waves with her latest win coming over Valgerdur Gudsteinsdottir on the massive Callum Walsh card at Dublin's 3Arena. In a boxing news exclusive, Shauna tells Enswell Boxing that she has just signed a management deal with one of the biggest names in the game. Spencer Brown, the man guiding Tyson Fury for the last number of years will now be the one to guide Shauna to the titles we hope and believe she can win.in Association with

This one is very much an impromptu episode following the announcement by Ohara Davies last night. As I watched him call time on his boxing career I recalled the Golden Contract final preview episode Enswell Boxing did with him back in 2020. On that occasion he faced Tyrone McKenna in the final and ultimately won. But the build up had been hot, both fellas never held back and after being hung out to dry by media at an earlier stage of his career - OD could be awkward if he thought he needed to be. we needn't have worried - he was brilliant. To be honest, love him or not - OD has always been brilliant. Always been himsel, the guy with the Irish name….. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having had a few weeks of what you could call a boxing break - the Irish boxing scene exploded into life with a return of a show that would remind fans of those heady Bernard Dunne nights. On this occasion it was ‘King' Callum Walsh on a truly unique UFC production that lived up to all the hopes & expectations.ian and Al look back over the card that also featured Shauna O'Keefe, Edward Donovan v Craig O'Brien, Emmet Brennan v Kevin Cronin and more.in Association with

A week out from a comeback fight that really didn't seem possible this time last year - when Irish boxer Larry Fryers was seriously injured by a hit and run driver as he prepared for camp for an upcoming fight.12 months & 4 surgery's later - he is finalising his preparations for a fight with Ameliano Vargas at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arizona. LIVE on ESPNPart 1 of this interview:

On June 17th 2023 Monaghan's Larry Fryers walked to the ring off the back of a win that few (if any) knew the magnitude of. Not only did it end a losing streak - it proved the benefit of all the mental and personal development were starting to allow Larry deliver on the obvious talent that Irish boxing fans have always adored. On that night Fryers tore into the highly fancied Dimasah Niyazsov (14-1-3) for the WBB Super Lightweight Title. It wasn't just Larry's first belt that caught the eye that night, but the manner in which he tore into his opponent and dismantled him. It didn't take long for his Hall of Fame manager Russel Peltz phone to start ringing and the follow up fight was soon signed, sealed with Fryers ready to deliver. But on September 11th as he ran his usual 10k route he could never have expected what was to happen when he was hit by a car that failed to stop, throwing him into the air and causing injuries and damage that would not only threaten his boxing career, but could well have cost him a lot more!In this first (of 2 part) interview Larry talks to Al about all if that, about the arrival of his new son, and about the importance of his faith through a nightmare 12 months that would have finished most other careers. Ian continues his 'Ones to Watch' series as he speaks with Wade Pasfield again after a hugely successful season that saw him win a Leinster title and narrowly miss out in an All Ireland final.in Association with

Irish welterweight Francy Luzoho has been a friend of this show since day dot. Back then he was based in Blanchardstown and trained in Inchicore. We've spoken to him in his various stops around the world like Champs camp in Lanzarote, on to Tenerife, to Box Smart Elite in West Midlands and now to MLSS Community hub in Walsall where he has just won the WBF Silver Welterweight title under the tutelage of coach Bhupinder Singh, nicknamed Pops, as he looks to take his career to the next stage."I love the struggles and the journey. I'd be lying if I said it was all nice and easy. "I've had my ups and downs, my trials and tribulations during these camps. If the majority of people knew what was going on throughout the camp they'd be shocked, but it's part of the game. It's like a medal of honour and they've moulded me into a more ferocious and vicious fighter."Despite that, Luzoho has also made himself at home at The MLSS Community Hub is also well known for several initiatives in Bloxwich where they help feed local families and deliver food parcels to schools and although his career at the forefront of his mind, Luzoho joins these community heroes to deliver those services which have grown from feeding one homeless man in 2013 to serving over 42,000 meals every week across 24 cities in the UK, Berlin and India.We speak to Francy about all of this and also hear from some of the young boxers in the community that Francy is helping to prepare alongside 'Pops' for their upcoming skills bouts.in Association with

With school holidays in full flight & boxing's mid term break the reason for fight fans hunger - the recent weeks have been busy for Irish boxing. TJ Doheny has announced a super fight with Japanese ‘Monster' Noye Inoue. Anto Cacacae is well into his preparations for the defence of his IBF feather weight title at Wembley on September 21st: And Aaron McKenna is the first of the 2 brothers to fight recently where he delivered a destructive career best performance in the Matchroom Prizefighter tournament in Japan.ian & Al discuss these topics and all the rest of the news in the boxing world - in this episode no. 213. in Association with

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will headline a Wembley Stadium super card on September 21. The British pair will meet for the IBF heavyweight world title which is held by Dubois after Usyk vacated the belt and he was upgraded from interim to regular champion.in this episode the lads look back over what's been a hectic few weeks in the professional game & give their thoughts on what's been a bumper boxing year so far.in Association with

It may only come around every 4 years - but the Olympic Games has always been ‘the greatest show on earth' for amateur athletes and while the lines between professional & amateur may have been blurred in recent years - the hopes and dreams of Irish boxers have been focused entirely on Paris since the closing ceremony at Tokyo in 2021.in this episode Ian and Al look at the incredible qualification stories of the 10 Irish boxers that will now look to bring a hail of medals home from the French capital. The lads also look back over a proud Olympic boxing history and celebrate the likes of Fred Tiedt, Socks Byrne, Hugh Russell, Michael Carruth, Wayne McCullough, Katie Taylor, Kellie Harrington and many more. This new look Irish team of Kellie Harrington, Michaela Walsh, Aoife O'Rourke, Aidan Walsh, Dean Clancy, Jude Gallagher, Jen Lehane, Grainne Walsh, Jack Marley & Daina Moorehouse have all the talent & skills of their illustrious predecessors - can they convert all that to medals?in Association with

With all the recent controversy and media coverage surrounding the Irish squad selection for the final Olympic qualifiers - it was going to take something special to drown out that noise. That something special came in record form - Kellie Harringon, Michaela Walsh, Aoife O'Rourke & Aidan Walsh are double Olympians, Dean Clancy, Jude Gallagaher, Jack Marley, Jennifer Lehane, Grainne Walsh & Daina Moorehouse qualifying. A record 10 qualifiers.It wasn't that long ago Brandon McCarthy was on course to be part of that Olympic dream - but tonight he looks to go 2-0 as a pro in Florida.in Association with

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After a brief sabbatical - Ian and Al are back to preview one of - if not THE biggest heavyweight fight of a generation. Tyson Fury versus Oleksander Usyk promises much - but what will it deliver? The lads discuss how they see it playing out and make their predictions with Al going one further and calling a win for Belfaast super featherweight Anto Cacace over champion Joe Cordina. With a lot of fights recently and various events in the boxing world, the lads catch up and give their thoughts on Lomachenko v Kambosis, Haney v Garcia, Canelo v Munguia AND the scandal around the upcoming Olympic qualifiers and Amy Broadhurst.in Association with

On the most Irish weekend of the year proud Galway man Tomas O'Toole headlines the McEleney promotions ‘Breaking Ground' card in Galway. Having been living and training in Boston the last number of years Tomas took time out of his fight week to tell his story.With Irish boxers in action all over the world,Ian & Al look back over his he best of the action.in Association with

The boxer's world is very different to that of any other profession. In a fight - minutes seem like hours and in the fight business - hours seem like days etc. So with everything else that has transpired in the boxing world since Josh Taylor & Jack Catterall first fought - fans would be forgiven if the details were a bit cloudy.This episode was actually recorded in the immediate aftermath of the fight between Josh Taylor & Jack Catterall where the contentious scoring & controversial result brought outrage& over reaction levels to a new level. We hear from 2 former world champions George Groves & Wayne McCullough - both of whom know all too well what it feels like to be on the wrong end of a controversial decision. in Association with

Only feels like yesterday wben we were begrudgingly putting the Christmas behind us when Al & Ian were in O'Rourkes gym & featured interviews with newly crowned BBoC Celtic champ John Cooney, Ryan O'Rourke, Allan Phelan & the 'Ice Man' Keane McMahon. With camp completed, the hard work done - weight made just 24 hours before his fight on Star Boxing show at the Paramount, Longisland. Keane took time along with his coach Steve and chatted to Al.With shows being announced on the regular in Ireland the lads review JB Promotions show that went down at the Warehouse - they also address the Twitter spat from Lewis Crocker's coach Billy Nelson and lots more .in Association with

In episode 205 we featured a small section of an interview with former pro turned promoter Jay Byrne who's series of Dublin shows on Feb 9th, March 1st and March 9th THE most immediatein the future of professional boxing on the island of Ireland, In this episode we feature the full length interview with Jay as he explains the details of his blueprint and talks about upcoming announcements to come for Belfast shows. Jay's whole concept is simple and effective - one deployed by previous promotional outfits Boxing Ireland, Brian Peters and the late great Paddy Hyland.- regular fights, regular shows and a pathway for young hungry and upcoming pros.Theres also a quick roundup of the big stories and main talking points in the world of professional boxing.in Association with

Momentum & consistency are key attributes when it comes to boxing - as they are in the podcast world and with Ep 205 we continue to build on all that, Allan Phelan (10-3) featherweight and known by all in Irish boxing circles is back in camp at O;'Rourke's Gym and joins us to talk about his plans for the immediate future. And we talk immediate future of professional boxing on the island of Ireland, promoter Jay Byrne has that in his hands with shows coming on Feb 9th, March 1st and March 8th with further announcements to come for Belfast shows. Jay's whole concept is simple and effective - one deployed by previous promotional outfits Boxing Ireland, Brian Peters and the late great Paddy Hyland.- regular fights, regular shows and a pathway for young hungry and upcoming pros.Jay joins us to talk about how he aims to build a thriving and competitive scene in Ireland.Al and Ian look back over the recent show in Belfast where Paddy Donovan, Lewis Crocker and Tommy McCarthy boxed on a Matchroom show in Ulster Hall - with some tough love from Al for Lewis Crocker after missing weight.in Association with

When we look through the history of boxing there are numerous legendary Irish names that feature prominently in both amateur AND paid ranks. Despite the highs and lows of a domestic scene, the peaks and troughs of popularity and support - there are still a couple of authentic, hard working & honest outposts. Gyms where folk can go to train for whatever fight they face next. For Keane McMahon, Ryan O'Rourke & John Cooney the fights are on high profile cards on a Star Boxing show in New York, or the Europa hotel in Belfast. For others - it's a personal fight, a battle to get fit or a fight that nobody knows about.Regardless of the battle - O'Rourke's Gym is one of those authentic boxing gyms where pros, amateurs & keep fit fanatics all spill blood, sweat & tears under the watchful guise of the experienced Stephen O'Rourke.Have a listen as Al & Ian hear some of the many stories & get up close and personal at O'Rourke's Gym in Dublin.Irish Based Sponsors Manchester SponsorsPremier Properties: https://pih.ie/Danny RandallFightstore: https://www.fightstoredublin.ie/Phil JupiterFlow Recovery: https://www.flowrecoverylounge.com/PT Hub ManchesterDave Cunningham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As most of us begrudgingly emerge from the Christmas and new year slumber, the boxing world has been moving at a pace like never before. Its plain to see the Saudi Arabia 'trickle down' effect has been influential in reigniting the imagination of boxing fans all over the world.Irish boxing finished the year with two colossal shows in Dublin - where Katie Taylor managed to reinvent herself and even the score with Northampton girl Chantelle Cameron. Both champions, both icons and both inspiring countless young girls and boys not just in Ireland and the UK - but all over the globe in 2 fights which have truly given us EVERYTHING. Barely a week later Matchroom and Conlan Boxing brought us another live show, this time from Belfast featuring Mick Conlan v Jordan Gill as ther main event and an all Belfast battle between Tyrone McKenna and Lewis Crocker. In this episode Ian and Al look back over both cards as Ian talks about the atmosphere from inside the Three Arena where he watched with baited breath, The lads look over some other recent action for Irish fighters and speculate a little on what we might see in the coming weeks and months.in Association with

Christmas Eve eve & incredibly we prepare for a boxing event which brings a host of match ups, protagonists & personalities that could only really made possible by Riyadh Season. But from the podcast point of view - we put our new co-host on the spot, for a baptism of fire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first episode for over a year we take a helicopter view of Irish boxers and boxing and ask some questions that many are asking. IS there a reason for the recent downturn in performances and results? Is it a coaching issue? Style issue? Or are Irish boxers not as good as many believe them to be?We also take a look at the fractured chasm that opened up between two greats of Irish boxing. Barry McGuigan/s career in the ring is well documented. He gave a glimmer of hope to a divided island in troubled times when there was little hope. Many years later he would be the man at the helm as Carl Frampton delivered European and world titles in different weight divisions. In this episode we look a little closer and ask "Where did it all go wrong?"Hugh Russell won bronze medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada and at the Olympic Games in Moscow 1980 then went on to have renowned careers as a professional boxer and press photographer. IN the week he was laid to rest, we paid tribute and remember an Irish boxing legend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode number 200 of Enswell Boxing and it couldn't be any more special. Al is joined again by friend of the show - Irish heavyweight boxer Niall Kennedy.Its no secret that boxing is the most uncompromising, unrelenting and sometimes unfulfilling crucibles of all.Indeed, its no secret you need to be disciplined, dedicated and sometimes deranged to want to be knocked down, trodden on, kicked, cut and bruised. Beaten and battered to the point where every ounce of your being pleads, screams...'ENOUGH'.And it's definitely no secret how dark the boxing world can be, with a cast of characters and bad actors lurking in the shadows willing, waiting and wanting to feed off boxers given half the chance.What may come as a surprise to some, is that amongst all of that you will find some oof the most genuine, honest, kind-hearted and REAL: people - of which no 2 are the same.Most will mask and hide all of those qualities to play the role of the Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Its what they have to do to survive.And then.........you meet Niall Kennedy!Have a listen as Niall's coach Pascal Collins and stablemates Spike O'Sullivan, Stephen Ormoind and Ray Moylette regale fond memories from the big man's career that saw him win an Irish Title, Massachusetts Title & New England Titl and in 2020 the WBC Hero of The World award for frontline services throughout the pandemic. We're also joined on this episode by former opponent Allen 'The Savage' Babic AND Niall's former teacher Grainne Mulcahy.

In a world that appears to change by the day - at times it would seem that boxing is hell bent on refusing to!Yes there have been strides in terms of medical and safety protocol and boxers ARE required to comply with THE most stringent health checks, scans and indeed drug testing. But after the shit show that surrounded and eventually collapsed the meeting of Chris Eubank jr and Conor Benn - many boxing observers are left questioning "Has anything really changed"?! Co-Host Binny Folen, fresh from his recent return to Ireland joins Al to discuss this and Saturday nights IBO Light Middleweight World Title showdown with Sam Egglington. Sam of course was a guest on the podcast back in July 2020 and now stands in the way of our close pal Dennis Hogan fulfilling a lifelong dreram, a promise - his destiny.

Shannon O'Connell is in the midst of fine tuning her preparations for the December 10th IBF Bantamweight world title showdown with champion and fellow Australian Ebanie 'Blonde Bomber' Bridges at the Leeds Direct Arena - a journey that has been anything but easy! O'Connell's dad was killed when she was only two. Her mum was taken by the drug scene. It's not surprising Shannon O'Connell has gone on to become a fighter. But it's only in recent years she finds herself at home, comfortable with he very idea of being spoken about AND treated like the world class athlete she is!Earlier this year ‘Shotgun' was mandated to fight fellow Aussie Ebanie Bridges for the IBF bantamweight world title. In this episode she tells Al her life story and how she feels as she now zeroes in on her lifelong dream.And joining her is one of Irelands very finest young talents. Niamh Fay won a European gold medal as a youth in 2019 - and this year ‘Fast Hands' won an U/22 gold medal at the European Championships.

By the time Darren Sutherland won his silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 he had achieved it all as an amateur. With top promoters queuing up for his signature in the professional game - He had everything in front of him, a glittering prospect with a real chance to achieve fame and fortune through a career in the ring. Sadly that wasn't to be.In this episode Al and Ciaran of Boxing Bants remember one of our very best.

Renowned British politician John Randolph once said ‘Like rotten mackerel by moonlight, he shines and stinks' - a phrase that could very aptly describe Anthony Joshua's performance during and after his latest battle with Oleksander Usyk in the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. There were many questions surrounding both men going into fight week - much was said about the new look Anthony Joshua, the impact of Robert Garcia & indeed how Oleksander Usyk may be affected by the turmoil in his homeland.The questions were answered emphatically about Usyk, but we've been left with even more uncertainties surrounding AJ. Once again his ‘Circle Of Sycophants' lead fans on a merry dance - but when all was said and done - where were they when they were truly needed?

The demands of boxing place many pressures on fighters but for the the rare few who reach the very pinnacle of the sport - that pressure can become the defining factor as they strive to grasp that immortal status. In the past some have likened that pressure to a fire. A fire that can be used to heat a home - but one that can be so intense, it can burn that home to the ground.In this preview episode Al looks at some of the elements that may influence Oleksander Usyk and Anthony Joshua and Al asks will that pressure “Fuel or Fire”… Sponsored by:

The boxer's world is very different to that of any other profession. In a fight - minutes seem like hours, fight business - hours seem like days etc.So with everything else that has transpired in the first half of 2022 fans would be forgiven if they forgot about this one. This episode was actually recorded back at the beginning of April but only being released now (July 2nd)Have a listen to the thoughts and opinions of former world champions George Groves & Wayne McCullough who know all too well what it feels like to be on the wrong end of a controversial decision.

Barely minutes after her titanic battle with Amanda Serrano. Still bleeding, still taking huge gulps of air with adrenaline still coursing through her body - Katie Taylor seemed to be the only one able to find words to sum up what we had just witnessed. Boxing fans have a tendency to over hype, off allowing hopes & expectations to become unrealistic big fights.Not this time! Not this fight!This one reset the bar!At a time when the reputation of boxing & Irish boxing truly needed somebody to remind the world that its not all bad, Along comes Katie Taylor….AGAIN! In this episode Al looks back over an unforgettable night & tries to find his own words & is joined by Joining ‘the Mammy of Irish boxing' Anna Moore. Almost every young Irish boxer who has worn the green vest will know Anna, who was team manager for many of Katie's biggest and best days in the Irish vest (including 3 world championships). And listen to one of the most informative, straight talking & real boxing pods out there: https://tinyurl.com/ye24jk3x for some interesting Team Serrano facts that got ‘lost' in the hype.AND listen to Wymac, daughter of Al's great pal & mentor Wayne McCullough as she performed at the NFL Draft recently: https://tinyurl.com/43bbnrd7

It's rare that boxing can make the back pages of reputable news papers around the world, its even more rare when it stretches across the front AND back pages multiple days in a row. Sadly, on this occasion it hasn't been for the reasons the great sport of boxing wants or deserves.This podcast has purposely and intentionally maintained radio silence over this time to allow the dust to settle and indeed to spend time researching to find out the who, what and wherefor's in this whole debacle. Believe it when I say - the tentacles of this story will stretch into areas and places that go WAY WAY beyond boxers and boxing and will open many eyes if not shock.For now, I wanted to take a moment to ensure all the loyal and good people who have followed my boxing podcast journey that I will be back with full length and detailed episodes in the coming days where we will review the recent fights and no doubt celebrate the one true bastion of Irish boxing that is left standing tall - Katie Taylor.

One of Irish boxings most colourful, talented and real fellas - Ray Moylette chats about a career which has seen him scale the highest highs and survive some lowest lows.This weekend he features on the huge Warrington v Martinez card in Leeds Arena - taking on British prospect Dalton Smith.

There have been many column inches printed and many hours of audio recorded following the Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall result. Most have asked and made valuable points, but some have been rather self serving. On this episode Al speaks to our mate and go to cut-man/hand wrap expert Tommy McCormack. Tommy wrapped Jack Catterall's hands for that fight and gives us some insight from that locker room and also gives an insight to those last minutes before the fighter makes his ring entrance. When it comes to operating at the very top level in professional boxing, very few can match Wayne McCullough. He's back to tell us what he thought of the fight and to tell us how he remembers the legendary Eddie Futch - who worked the corner for such legendary names as Ken Norton, Joe Fraiser, Riddick Bowe and of course our very own Pocket Rocket. And just as this episode was about to go out, a statement was issued by the BBBoC following their investigation into the scoring and result of the Taylor/Catterall fight which is included just at the end of the show.

When Gerald McClellan & Nigel Benn touched gloves in the centre of the ring back in February 1995 - nobody could be quite sure what was about to happen. Following one of the most intensely brutal boxing matches of all time, American Gerald McClellan lapses into a coma & began a fight for his life that would leave him with catastrophic brain injuries.As this episode is released - 27 years after that night, Gerald's sister & carer Lisa joins us to talk about it all & where Gerald is at today. We are also joined by former pro & current coach to Artur Beterbiev - ‘Iceman' John Scully as he tells us how he manages to raise funds for some true boxing legends suffering similar to McClellan.https://gofund.me/fcfbe498Sponsored by:

With so much going on in the world of boxing and so much changing SO often, in this episode we look at some of the big talking points and take a customary look back in time at what it took to get some of the historic fights over the line. How did Lennox Lewis seal the Rahman rematch? What did Joe Calzaghe have to do to seal his landmark fights?When you think back to education and school - what's your memories? Did it work for you? Or was it a struggle at best?Joining us is newly crowned Irish Elite flyweight champion Ricky Nesbitt. His is a story of tragedy, adversity, resilience and living proof that a positive approach can overcome THE worst life can throw!www.enswellpod.comSponsored by:

What better way to open 2022 is there than to welcome one of Naas towns finest (currently exiled in Australia) Binny Folan. Al and Binny take a look back over some of boxing's big bangs in 2021 & discuss some tasty topics. The lads also look back over some highlights from the year and look ahead to who and what they think could steal the limelight for the year ahead. We welcome the most appropriate names in boxing ‘Joyful' Ella Thomson & her Dad Cliff back to the show. Listen to how Ella describes the importance of fundamentals in boxing, how tricky it can be to face a southpaw - and listen as she tells us the key to beating southpaws.We once again have the pleasure of company with newly crowned 2 time Elite Irish Champion Evelyn Igaharo who tells us about her hectic schedule throughout lockdown and how illness almost robbed her of that prestigious second senior title. There's a full round up of all the boxing news pertaining to Ireland and around the world in our brand new feature piece 'What's goin on'...

Still 2 weeks to go until Christmas but it definitely feels like it's come early for Irish boxing fans. So many of our pro's in action all around the world from Friday through to Sunday - this episode highlights all those  fights. Arguably the biggest card of the weekend goes down at the Liverpool arena where Katie Taylor shares top of the bill with Conor Benn and todays guest - Chris Algieri.There's so many fantastic facets to the former kickboxing champion who transitioned to boxing and reached the summit when he defeated Ruslan Provodkinov to become WBO light Welterweight champion of the world.He went on to box Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and this weekend he aims to rip up the script and remind the world he's not done yet!Last time we chatted with Junior Thompson we were on our way out of lockdown & he was preparing for his 3rd pro fight. He delivered a fine performance that night to go 3/0 and secure a 3 fight promotional deal with Pat Barrett's Black Flash Promotion's & he fights again on Saturday in his hometown of Liverpool - Grand Central. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS: https://www.facebook.com/junior.thompson.1447Also in this episode Al speaks bout his best mate who upped sticks and moved to Australia & subsequently won Australian Idol in 2007. Damien Leith has gone on to have a hugely successful music career and had just released his new single Time Machine.To listen click this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h522wSponsored by: 

In this second episode of Elites - we learn the story of a small community, suffering bad times but banding together to build somewhere for their youth, something to keep them safe whilst harnessing their youthful exuberance. Monkstown boxing club are now one of the most successful in Dublin with 2 of their protégés - Jack Marley & Jake Rapple crowned Elite senior champions at the recent championships whilst Sean Mari won bronze at the world military games. The 3 lads tell us all about that and have a listen as coaches JP Kinsella & Eve  Carr tell us about some of the work that goes into building & growing a community club like theirs.Sponsored by:  

There's an international feel to episode 185 as we jump accross to the 33rd county to chat with Liverpool Super Bantamweight- new WBC International champion Carly Skelly. And she's joined by her youngest son Thomas to tell how he boxed 130 rounds in 24 hours to raise funds for a local Athletic Club. Then it's down under to Newry light heavyweight - former 7 time Irish champion Conor Wallace as he prepared for his fight in Melbourne.Sponsored by: